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The Best Online Schools in Hawaii

📅 Jan 31, 2025  •  🕒 3 min read

Hawaii offers top-quality online education opportunities for students looking to balance work, family, and study. Explore affordable programs, tuition insights, and scholarships below!


Top Affordable Online Colleges in Hawaii

  • Chaminade University of Honolulu (Private)
  • Programs: Liberal arts, professional studies, certificates, and associate degrees.
  • Features: Online support services, internships, and flexible learning.
  • Admissions Rate: 95%.
  • Tuition: $500 per credit.

  • Hawaii Pacific University (Private)

  • Programs: 85 online undergraduate and graduate degrees.
  • Features: Flat tuition rates for all students and practical internships.
  • Admissions Rate: 75%.

  • University of Hawai'i Maui College (Public)

  • Programs: Affordable associate and bachelor's programs.
  • Features: Small classes, hybrid options, and generous financial aid.
  • Total Online Students: 1,162.
  • Tuition: $128.50 per credit (2-year colleges).

Cost of Attending Online Colleges in Hawaii

Hawaii offers competitive tuition rates:
- In-State Tuition: $9,712/year (4-year public institutions).
- Out-of-State Tuition: $30,929/year (4-year public institutions).

Tuition Savings for Out-of-State Students
Hawaii participates in the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE).
- Out-of-state students in WICHE member states pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition.

Examples of Tuition Costs:
- University of Hawaii at Manoa: $462/credit (public).
- Chaminade University: $500/credit (private).
- Kapiolani Community College: $128.50/credit (2-year public).


Hawaii Online College FAQs

1. Do Online Credits Cost More or Less in Hawaii?
- Tuition rates for online programs often match in-person rates.
- WICHE agreements allow out-of-state students to pay reduced rates.

2. Which Hawaii Schools Accept the Most Transfer Credits?
- Regionally accredited colleges in Hawaii transfer credits easily.
- Chaminade University: Accepts up to 90 credits.
- Hawaii Pacific University: No expiration date on transfer credits.

3. Will Online Colleges in Hawaii Accept a GED?
- Yes! GED holders often attend community college first or apply directly to four-year programs.
- Schools like Chaminade University and Hawaii Pacific University accept GEDs.

4. How Many Academic Terms Are Offered?
- Most colleges follow semester schedules with 2-4 terms per year.
- Start dates typically align with on-campus programs (spring, summer, fall, winter).

5. Which Online Colleges Accept FAFSA in Hawaii?
- All regionally accredited institutions in Hawaii accept FAFSA.
- Federal aid includes grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.

6. Are There Free Online Classes in Hawaii?
- Programs like the Nā Kūpuna Program offer free classes for senior citizens.
- Programs like Wai'ale'ale Project and Early College offer free courses for Hawaii residents and high schoolers.

7. How Can I Find Online Program Options?
- Check the University of Hawaii Distance Learning System for statewide options.
- Schools like UH offer a wide variety of fully online and hybrid programs.


Scholarships and Grants for Hawaii Students

| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|------------------------------------------|-------------|----------------------------------------------------|
| Allan Eldin & Agnes Sutorik Geiger Scholarship | $1,000 | Hawaii students in veterinary science with 3.0 GPA. |
| Clem Judd Jr. Memorial Scholarship | $1,000-$2,500| Native Hawaiian students studying tourism/hospitality.|
| Hawaii Promise Scholarship | Varies | Hawaii residents enrolled at UH community colleges. |
| 442nd Veterans Scholarship | Varies | Hawaii-born undergraduates/graduate students. |
| University of Hawaii Scholarship Fund| Varies | Full-time UH system students with 3.0 GPA. |


Summing it up

  • Hawaii's online colleges provide flexible and affordable options for local and out-of-state students.
  • WICHE programs allow students to reduce out-of-state tuition costs significantly.
  • A variety of scholarships and grants make higher education more accessible.

Start your journey with Hawaii's top online programs and gain the skills to thrive in a competitive job market!


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